East Atlanta Kids Club, Inc. Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Established in 1998, East Atlanta Kids Club (EAKC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing out-of-school-time programs for under-resourced youth in Southeast Atlanta. The organization offers a safe and stimulating environment for children aged 5 to 17, focusing on educational enrichment, mentorship, and community engagement.

Mission and Vision

EAKC's mission is to build a promising future for the children of Southeast Atlanta by offering high-quality, S.T.E.A.M.-based and positive sports-based youth development programming. The vision is to empower youth to realize their potential through consistent support from caring adults.

Primary Area of Focus

The organization primarily focuses on providing afterschool and summer programs that include tutoring, mentoring, S.T.E.A.M. education, and positive sports activities. Additionally, EAKC addresses food insecurity by offering weekly food distributions to families in need.

Industry Significance

EAKC plays a crucial role in the nonprofit sector by addressing educational disparities and supporting community development in Southeast Atlanta. Its comprehensive approach to youth development and community engagement sets it apart as a significant contributor to the region's social fabric.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Educational Enrichment: Provide S.T.E.A.M.-based afterschool and summer programs to enhance academic performance.

• Mentorship and Counseling: Offer mentorship and counseling services to support emotional and social development.

• Community Engagement: Foster community involvement through family events and partnerships with local organizations.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• S.T.E.A.M. Education: Implement programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to stimulate intellectual curiosity.

• Positive Sports-Based Youth Development: Utilize sports to teach teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills.

• Food Security Initiatives: Address hunger by distributing food to families in need, ensuring access to nutritious meals.

Key Technologies Utilized

EAKC employs various technologies to enhance program delivery, including:

• Digital Learning Platforms: Facilitate online tutoring and educational resources.

• Media Production Tools: Equip youth with skills in film and media production.

• Robotics Kits: Provide hands-on experience in technology and engineering.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

EAKC primarily serves youth aged 5 to 17 in Southeast Atlanta, focusing on those from low to moderate-income households. The organization addresses challenges such as educational disparities, food insecurity, and limited access to extracurricular activities.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

EAKC has secured funding through various grants and donations, including:

• BOOST Grant: In 2021, EAKC received a $107,100 grant from the Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Grants Program, with the possibility of renewal for two subsequent years.

• Link Logistics Grant: In 2025, the organization was awarded a $100,000 grant from Link Logistics to renovate program spaces and expand services.

Total Funds Raised

Specific total funds raised are not publicly disclosed. However, the organization has demonstrated a strong ability to attract significant funding from both public and private sectors.

Notable Investors

EAKC's funding partners include:

• Foundations: AEC Trust, Atlanta Foundation, Choate Bridges Foundation, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Cousins Foundations, Harland Charitable Foundation, Jack and Anne Glenn Foundation, LuluMa Foundation, Mary Brown Fund of Atlanta, Sartain Lanier Family Foundation, The Homestead Foundation, The Imlay Foundation, The Lookout Foundation, The Zeist Foundation.

• Corporations: Aldi Impact Grant, Appfire Town, Atlanta Gas Light Foundation, Link Logistics Community Grant, Nike Community Impact Fund, Salesforce Foundation, State Farm.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized for:

• Program Expansion: Increasing the number of youth served and enhancing program quality.

• Infrastructure Development: Renovating and furnishing program spaces, including building out makerspace and A/V production capacity.

• Food Security Initiatives: Expanding food distribution capabilities to support more families.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

EAKC's pipeline includes:

• Afterschool Programs: Ongoing enrichment activities for youth aged 5 to 17.

• Summer Camps: Seasonal programs focusing on S.T.E.A.M. education and positive sports.

• Counseling Services: Mental health support through partnerships with local counseling firms.

• Food Security Programs: Weekly food distributions to families in need.

Stages of Development

All programs are currently operational, with ongoing efforts to expand and enhance services.

Target Conditions

The programs aim to address educational disparities, food insecurity, and limited access to extracurricular activities among youth in Southeast Atlanta.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for future milestones are not publicly disclosed. However, the organization continues to seek funding and partnerships to support program growth and sustainability.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

EAKC utilizes various technologies to enhance program delivery, including digital learning platforms, media production tools, and robotics kits.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization employs evidence-based approaches in its programs, focusing on S.T.E.A.M. education and positive youth development strategies.

AI-Driven Capabilities

There is no publicly available information indicating the use of AI-driven capabilities within EAKC's programs.

Leadership Team

Executive Director

• Name: Ryan Downey

• Professional Background: Ryan joined EAKC in February 2020, bringing experience from Year Up, a national nonprofit organization.

• Key Contributions: Under his leadership, EAKC has expanded its programs and secured significant funding to support its mission.

Board of Directors

The Board comprises professionals from various sectors, including:

• Uthra Ramaswamy: Chair, Director, Training Solutions Strategy at Year Up United.

• Kristen Vangile: Vice-Chair, Senior Clinical Research Associate at IQVIA.

• Tim Eldredge: Treasurer, Director of Growth at Academy Camps.

• Jeff Teves: VP Finance at Vero Biotech.

• Brandon Darrington: VP Internal Medicine, Executive Administrator for Clinical Affairs and Administration at Emory Healthcare.

• Dana Nichols: Senior Director of Donor Engagement at Boys Hope Girls Hope.

• Kendra Gayle Lee: Owner of Bookish Atlanta.

• Kyle Richards: Enterprise Sales at Microsoft.

• Leeanna Gonzalez: Managing Director at Red Clay Consulting.

• Lynn Bonner: Director, Tech Training Solutions at Year Up United.

• Nathan Goodson: Secretary, Supervisory Examiner at Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

• Shanya Dingle: Senior Counsel, Government and Internal Investigations at Kenvue.

• Justin Krivanek: Owner of Tailwind Marketing Shop.

Leadership Changes

No significant leadership changes have been publicly reported in recent times.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit sector in Atlanta is competitive, with numerous organizations offering similar services. EAKC differentiates itself through its comprehensive approach, integrating educational enrichment, mentorship, and community engagement.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: A nationwide organization providing similar services.